County: Galway Site name: GALWAY: 33–34 Eyre Square
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 99E0119
Author: Anne Connolly, Archaeological Services Unit Ltd.
Site type: Town defences
Period/Dating: Late Medieval (AD 1100-AD 1599)
ITM: E 529937m, N 725434m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.274609, -9.050448
Two trial-trenches were excavated during pre-development testing at the site of the proposed development. This testing revealed part of an interesting and heretofore unrecorded wall. Although only a short length could be investigated, an examination of its east face has been sufficient to indicate that it may have formed part of the fortifications protecting the east approach to the city. It was not possible to ascertain the width of the wall, and it is difficult to date it. The nature of the wall's construction suggests that it is similar to the late medieval (16th- to 17th-century) walls associated with the walled town defences observed elsewhere.
A narrower wall was exposed for a relatively short distance of 2m, and no indication of its overall height, dimensions or function could be ascertained from the testing. As the development is not intended to impinge on either wall, it was recommended that both walls be covered with approved materials in order to protect them. It was also recommended that any further groundworks at the site be archaeologically monitored.
Purcell House, Oranmore, Co. Galway
